Court remands two over alleged cultism in Ondo
By Boye Oyeyemi
An Akure Magistrate’s Court has ordered the remand of two barbers, Arotiba Ayomide, 27, and Henry Kolawole, 28, in police custody over alleged involvement in cult-related activities.
The defendants were arraigned on two counts bordering on conspiracy and alleged membership of a secret cult. They, however, did not take their plea during proceedings.
Addressing the court, police prosecutor, Oniyere Taiwo, disclosed that the defendants and others, still at large, allegedly conspired in May 2026 at Owo, Ondo State, to commit the offence of cultism.
Taiwo further alleged that the two men presented themselves as members of the outlawed Eiye confraternity, an offence said to be contrary to the laws of the state.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravened Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006, and Section 1(1) of the Cultism, Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law of Ondo State, 2021.
The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the determination of the case.
Responding, the counsel for the defendants, A.T. Atima, opposed the application, informing the court that a counter-affidavit had been filed and urging the magistrate to reject the prosecution’s request for remand.
In her ruling, Magistrate F.O. Odenusi directed that the defendants remain in police custody pending a decision on the remand application and adjourned the case until July 7, 2026, for ruling.
